These Maple Pecan Blondies are a sweet treat you won’t want to miss! They are rich, chewy, and full of crunchy pecans, with a delightful maple flavor that makes every bite special.
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, pop them in the oven, and enjoy the lovely smell filling your kitchen. Trust me, your friends will be asking for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps you control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but I find butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key for that rich flavor. If you’re out, use honey or agave syrup, but the taste will differ slightly. For a fun twist, try using brown sugar instead of some maple syrup.
Pecans: Pecans add a nice crunch! If you have nut allergies, you can skip them altogether or use sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here, but you can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just be aware of possible texture changes.
What’s the Best Way to Get Chewy Blondies?
The key to achieving a chewy texture in these blondies is not to overmix the batter. When you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until you see no more flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to dense, hard blondies.
- Use a gentle folding motion when adding the pecans.
- Make sure your butter isn’t too hot before mixing with eggs to avoid scrambling.
- Let the blondies cool in the pan, as they continue to firm up a bit once taken out.
Enjoy your baking! These blondies are sure to be a hit!
How to Make Maple Pecan Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for topping
Optional Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes of baking time. After that, it’s best to let them cool completely before slicing, which takes about 30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to have these delicious treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first—let’s get that oven nice and warm! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×9 inch baking pan and lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper, making it easy to remove the blondies later.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, add the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until everything is nicely blended.
3. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
4. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until you see no more flour streaks. Remember not to overmix—this makes sure your blondies stay chewy!
5. Adding the Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans. They are what makes these blondies extra special, adding a lovely crunch!
6. Baking the Blondies:
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. If you want, sprinkle some additional pecans on top for that extra crunch and look. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set. When you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Preparing the Maple Glaze (Optional):
While the blondies are cooling, you can make a delicious maple glaze if you want to up your game! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Drizzle the glaze over the top if you made it. Serve and enjoy your delightful maple pecan blondies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
These blondies are sure to be a hit with their chewy texture and rich maple flavor. Happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Nut?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or just prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans. Just remember to chop them up similarly to the pecans before adding them to the batter!
How Should I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing!
Can I Make These Blondies Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free blondies, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Blondies?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for a delicious twist. About 1 cup of chocolate chips would be perfect alongside the pecans for extra sweetness!
